Services include sending out notification to shul members of death and
information regarding shiva on our the shul’s e-mail list. The committee also,
together with the gabbaim, organizes shiva minyanim and provides
shiva chairs and other supplies. The committee tries to address
the needs of the bereaved family giving special consideration to each
and every unique situation. The general policy is to provide a
complete seudat havraah, the meal for the family immediately
following a funeral, a dinner meal every day of shiva and
Shabbat meals during or immediately following shiva. When
shiva takes place out of town, the committee attempts to send a
meal through certified kosher caterers or restaurants.

The Chesed committee is delighted to be able to help
members ease into new parenthood by providing assistance in
whatever ways are needed. Hospital or home visitations, phone
calls, child care and play dates can all be arranged. In addition,
meals for the first Shabbat at home, and an additional week of
dinners according to the schedule and needs of the new parents,
are happily provided.

Services will depend on the individual situation,
but we generally try to provide hospital or home visitation, meals,
shopping and errand running, transportation, and
arrangement of child care where necessary.

The Chesed Fund was established several years ago (separate
from the shul’s regular Tzedakah Fund) for the primary purpose
of addressing the needs of the community above and beyond the
Chesed committee’s allotted budget. The fund provides money for
anonymous donations, provision of supplies and meals, etc. Donations
to the Chesed Fund are always welcome. A personally designed
note will be sent by the coordinator to announce the donation in
honor, memory, or appreciation of chesed activities.